Start 2025 on a high note with these winter albums!
2025-04-12 20:01:04 By Robert Miller
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The year 2024 proved to be incredibly eventful for mainstream music, with albums from big names like Dua Lipa, Eminem, and Coldplay possibly slipping under the radar in your Spotify playlists. Even with the flood of captivating music released last year, the start of 2025 is shaping up to offer a lineup of fascinating albums that fans can eagerly anticipate.
Mac Miller's "Balloonerism"
The long-awaited second posthumous album from the late rapper Mac Miller, which was initially set to drop nearly a decade ago, is finally being released this week. The announcement was first hinted at during the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival music festival last November. This marks the first new music release from Miller’s estate since the 2020 posthumous album “Circles.”
In a statement from Miller’s estate, they revealed that “Balloonerism,” recorded during the period surrounding his 2014 mixtape “Faces,” held significant meaning for Malcolm. While fans are still in the dark about the upcoming release, there are speculations that it may include a collaboration with the renowned singer SZA.
"Balloonerism" is set to launch on January 17th.
The Weeknd, "Rush Into Tomorrow"
The long-awaited conclusion to The Weeknd's latest trilogy is about to be unveiled after years of excitement, promising to be a significant occasion. Titled “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” this release will wrap up the story that began with the 2020 album “After Hours” and continued with its 2022 successor, “Dawn FM.”
Since its announcement in September, a huge promotional effort has been underway for this album, highlighted by three singles, one of which is the popular track “Timeless,” featuring Playboi Carti. Additionally, The Weeknd has revealed that a film sharing the same title will be released this May, featuring co-stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan alongside him.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is set to be released on January 31.
Central Cee, “Greatness Takes Time”
Following years of successful tracks, the London rapper is set to unveil his long-awaited debut album. The artist behind "Doja" has increased his activity in 2024, dropping the popular single "BAND4BAND" alongside Lil Baby and making a significant appearance on Ice Spice's song "Did It First."
The single "BAND4BAND" will be part of a 17-track album. It will include a newly unreleased collaboration with producer and rapper Dave, who previously teamed up with Central Cee on the 2023 hit "Sprinter." According to a press release from Sony Music, "Can’t Rush Greatness" is set to be “one of the most significant releases in the history of UK rap.”
"Can't Rush Greatness" is set to release on January 24th.
Tate McRae, “So Near to What”
Since her breakout single "greedy" gained popularity in late 2023, Tate McRae has been releasing new music at an astonishing pace. Her track "THINK LATER" dropped in December 2023, and by September 2024, the promotion for her upcoming project "So Close To What" was already underway, featuring the lead single "It’s ok I’m ok."
The upcoming release of “So Close To What” will be paired with the Miss Possessive Tour, set to begin just under six months following the conclusion of the “THINK LATER World Tour.” Given that fans are still relishing every moment—particularly with “It’s ok I’m ok” being one of her most successful singles to date—McRae's new album is poised to be yet another hit.
“So Close To What” is set to be released on February 21.
LISA, "另一面"
The renowned K-pop supergroup BLACKPINK has taken a break recently, during which Rosé collaborated with Bruno Mars to create the hit single “APT.” and released her successful debut album titled “rosie.” Now, it's LISA's moment to shine.
The rollout for “Alter Ego” kicked off back in June, and the trio of singles released since include a collaboration with Rosalía entitled “New Woman.” “Alter Ego” rings in a busy year for the singer and rapper, who will also join the cast in season three of “The White Lotus.”
“Alter Ego” is set to launch on February 28.
Lady Gaga, 待定
In the midst of the poorly received campaign for the much-criticized “Joker: Folie à Deux” (2024), co-star Lady Gaga made a pleasant surprise by revealing that her seventh album is set to drop this February.
Since the release of her single "Disease" in October, there hasn't been much news from Gaga. The headliner for Coachella 2025 has teased that her upcoming album “jumps across genres in a way that's nearly subversive.” One thing we can confirm is that "Die With A Smile," her hit collaboration with Bruno Mars, will feature on the album.
The upcoming Lady Gaga album is set to launch in February.
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